Emily Johnson
Cats can be curious creatures, and their curiosity can sometimes lead them to nibble on mushrooms. While some mushrooms, like store-bought white button, cremini, and portobello, are generally safe for cats in small amounts, others can be highly toxic and even fatal. Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are among those that are dangerous for cats. These fungi contain substances like psilocybin and psilocin, which are structurally similar to LSD and can cause hallucinations, seizures, and other serious health issues in cats. Even some store-bought mushrooms can cause gastrointestinal issues, so it's important to consult a veterinarian if your cat shows any signs of illness after consuming mushrooms. Overall, while cats may be attracted to the savory taste of mushrooms, it's crucial to be vigilant about the types they are exposed to, especially when outdoors, to ensure their safety.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Are psilocybin mushrooms toxic to cats? | Yes, psilocybin mushrooms are highly toxic to cats and should be avoided. |
| What are the symptoms of psilocybin toxicity in cats? | Hallucinations, tremors, sensitivity, vocalization, nausea, disorientation, seizures, vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, excessive tearing, and liver damage. |
| How soon do symptoms of psilocybin toxicity appear in cats? | Symptoms may take 6 to 24 hours to appear after ingestion, and there may be a period of apparent recovery before relapse. |
| Are there any safe mushrooms for cats? | Yes, certain store-bought mushrooms like white button, cremini, and portobello are generally considered safe for cats in small amounts. Raw is safe, cooked is safer for better digestion. |
| Why do cats eat mushrooms? | Cats may be attracted to the savoury "umami" flavour provided by glutamate, an amino acid present in mushrooms. |
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What You'll Learn
Magic mushrooms are toxic to cats
While some mushrooms are safe for cats in small amounts, magic mushrooms are toxic to cats and should never be consumed by them. Magic mushrooms, or "psilocybin mushrooms", contain psilocybin and psilocin, which are structurally related to LSD and act on serotonin receptors. They can cause serious health problems in cats, including seizures, hallucinations, tremors, sensitivity, vocalization, nausea, disorientation, and even death.
If you suspect that your cat has ingested magic mushrooms, it is important to contact your veterinarian immediately. Be specific when describing the symptoms and their time of onset, as this information is vital for an accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment. A complete physical exam, blood and urine tests, and a sample of stomach contents may be necessary for the veterinarian to identify the ingested mushroom and determine the appropriate treatment.
To prevent your cat from ingesting toxic mushrooms, keep them away from any new growths outside, particularly mushrooms. Mushrooms can grow in wooded areas, rocky terrains, grassy parks, and even your own backyard. They are most commonly found during warm, wet weather and flourish in many places. If you find mushrooms growing in your yard, it is best to have them identified by a mycologist to ensure your cat's safety.
Store-bought mushrooms, such as white button, cremini, and portobello mushrooms, are generally safe for cats to consume in moderation. However, it is always a good idea to consult your veterinarian if you are unsure about the safety of any mushroom for your cat.
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Safe store-bought varieties
While it is safe to feed your cat store-bought mushrooms, it is important to ensure they are of the edible variety. Some common varieties of mushrooms that are safe for cats include:
White Button Mushrooms
White button mushrooms are generally safe for cats when given in small amounts. They are commonly found in grocery stores and are considered a safe variety for cats.
Cremini Mushrooms
Also known as baby bella mushrooms, cremini mushrooms are similar to white button mushrooms and are safe for cats in moderation. They are also easily found in stores.
Portobello Mushrooms
Portobello mushrooms are a larger variety of cremini mushrooms and are safe for cats when served plain and in small amounts.
Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms are known for their nutritional benefits and can be safe for cats when prepared properly. They contain fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, which can support your cat's overall health.
It is important to note that while these store-bought mushroom varieties are generally safe for cats, they should be fed in moderation and served plain without any seasonings, butter, or oils, as these additives can upset your cat's stomach or be harmful. Additionally, raw mushrooms can pose a risk to cats, so cooking them is recommended to eliminate potential bacteria or harmful compounds. Always consult your vet before offering any new food to your cat, including mushrooms, to ensure they are a suitable addition to their diet.
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Wild mushrooms are dangerous
While some mushrooms are safe for cats, wild mushrooms can be dangerous and even fatal. Cats are especially vulnerable due to their smaller bodies, so even tiny portions of certain wild mushrooms can be harmful or deadly. Wild mushrooms often contain potent toxins that can cause symptoms ranging from vomiting and diarrhoea to liver failure and death.
Some of the most common wild mushrooms that are poisonous to cats include Fly Agaric (Amanita Muscaria), Death Cap Mushrooms (Amanita spp.), and False Morel (Gyromitra Esculenta). Deadly Galerina (Galerina Marginata), which often hides among moss and dead wood, is also known to kill cats. These mushrooms contain neurotoxins that are dangerous to cats, dogs, and humans.
It is important to prevent cats from encountering toxic mushrooms by regularly inspecting your garden and its surroundings. Remove any wild mushrooms from areas accessible to your cat, such as your backyard or garden, to prevent accidental ingestion. Keep a close eye on your cat when outside to ensure they do not play with or sample any mushrooms.
If you believe your cat has ingested psilocybin mushrooms, contact your vet immediately. Signs of psilocybin ingestion in dogs include vocalization, mydriasis, ataxia, tachycardia, disorientation, hyperthermia, and anxiety. Similar symptoms may occur in cats, along with hallucinations, tremors, sensitivity, nausea, and seizures.
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Symptoms of ingestion
While some mushrooms are safe for cats, it is imperative to ensure they are of the edible variety. Store-bought mushrooms like white button, cremini, and portobello are generally safe in small amounts, but wild mushrooms can be toxic and even fatal.
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are highly toxic to cats and should never be consumed. They contain psilocybin, a hallucinogenic substance that acts on serotonin receptors and can cause serious health problems. If you suspect your cat has ingested psilocybin mushrooms, contact your vet immediately.
- Hallucinations
- Tremors
- Sensitivity
- Vocalization
- Nausea
- Disorientation
- Seizures
- Tachycardia (increased heart rate)
- Hyperthermia (elevated body temperature)
- Anxiety
- Gastrointestinal issues (upset stomach, vomiting)
- Dehydration
- Increased drinking and urination
The signs and symptoms of mushroom ingestion in cats can vary depending on the species of mushroom and the amount ingested. It is important to be specific when describing symptoms and their time of onset, as this information is crucial for an accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment. If you suspect your cat has ingested any type of mushroom, consult your veterinarian immediately. They may perform a physical exam, take blood and urine samples, and retrieve a sample of stomach contents to help identify the ingested mushroom and determine the appropriate treatment.
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Cats can taste mushrooms
While it is generally advised to avoid feeding your cat mushrooms, some cats do seem to enjoy the taste and texture of certain mushrooms. Mushrooms contain high levels of glutamate, an amino acid that gives foods a distinctive savory flavour, sometimes called "umami". Cats can detect and enjoy this savoury flavour, which is also linked to the amino acids in meat protein. So, cats are attracted to mushrooms because they have a similar taste and smell to meat. However, it is important to note that some mushrooms are toxic to cats and can cause serious health issues or even death.
Some store-bought or shop-bought mushrooms, such as white button, cremini, or portobello mushrooms, are generally considered safe for cats in small amounts. These mushrooms are proven safe and can be offered to cats in moderation. However, it is always a good idea to consult a veterinarian before introducing new foods to your cat's diet.
Wild mushrooms, on the other hand, should be avoided altogether as many can be toxic and even fatal for cats. The North American Mycological Association warns that cats are attracted to the odor of wild mushrooms and can be poisoned as a result. Mushroom poisoning can have various effects on cats, including an upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration, respiratory issues, lowered heart rate, liver toxicity, and kidney toxicity. Some mushrooms, such as the "death cap" Amanita mushrooms, are extremely dangerous and can lead to irreversible liver damage and even death if not treated promptly.
Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as "magic" mushrooms, are highly toxic to cats and should never be consumed by them. These mushrooms contain psilocybin, a substance that can cause hallucinations, seizures, and other serious health problems. If you believe your cat has ingested psilocybin mushrooms or any other type of toxic mushroom, it is crucial to contact your veterinarian immediately.
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